Konami opens new studio in LA

Japanese publisher Konami has opened a new development studio in Los Angeles, which will be assisting in the production of Metal Gear Solid V.

The studio will also be heavily involved in developing other Konami titles, including instalments of the MGS franchise.

During an opening ceremony at the new studio this week, Konami discussed new details about the Metal Gear Solid V experience, which includes Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes, the prologue to the fifth game.

Hideo Kojima, Metal Gear Solid creator and director of Kojima Productions, took the stage to show the first live gameplay demo for Ground Zeroes.

Kojima Productions’ team in Los Angeles will make significant contributions to the development of the franchise, starting with MGS V. Kojima will continue to provide guidance and inspiration to the employees of the Los Angeles studio.

“As gaming takes the world stage as one of the greatest forms of entertainment, it’s only natural for us to expand our operations across the globe,” said Kojima.

“And since Los Angeles is ground zero for the best studios, facilities and world-class talent, we are leaning on these local resources to build an incredible team to create gaming experiences that are just as compelling as any film or television show.”

Tomoyuki Tsuboi, president of Konami Digital Entertainment, added: “The Los Angeles studio emphasizes Konami and Kojima Productions commitment to expanding our development footprint. The new studio will put Kojima Productions in the heart of the west which will benefit future releases as it will introduce new talent and creativity to the development teams.”

Konami and Kojima Productions recently celebrated its 25th anniversary of the Metal Gear Solid franchise, is thought of as a seminal series the stealth action game genre. More than 35.4 million units have been sold worldwide to date.